June 30, 2016

Team #22Kill

Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. started the #22KILL movement in 2013 after learning about the staggering statistic
that an average of 22 veterans are killed by suicide every day. HCC has committed to researching and understanding the
genesis of this epidemic, and educating the general public on the issue. #22KILL is a platform to raise awareness not just
towards veteran suicide, but also to the issues that can lead them to suicide; these issues stem primarily from mental
health conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, and stresses of transitioning out of the military.
The solution is veteran empowerment. One of the biggest challenges veterans face is finding a sense of purpose after
service. #22KILL directly supports veteran empowerment programs that help veterans maximize their talents and
understand their value outside of the military. #22KILL also continually provides support for other veteran
organizations, community events and project.

Research and learn about your local veteran service organizations and what their missions and needs are.

Raise awareness to the issues of veteran suicide, but follow up with the positive solution of education and empowerment through programs offered from your local nonprofits and veteran service organizations.

Believe that veteran’s are America’s greatest asset and you will strive to love them unconditionally.

May 5, 2016

I set out on an adventure today to find an arbor for my garden. This great arbor hunt started from a Facebook post in a community group I belong to, accompanied by some fantastic photos that really reeled me in. After my afternoon errands were finished, I headed to the edge of town and found a quaint farm. I expected to find some neat stuff because of the photos I had seen online, but what I hadn't expected to find was the truly enjoyable, relaxing peace that this farm held.

Upon arriving, I met Brenda who was working on pricing and organizing her amazing collection she had amassed from traveling throughout the country. I had no qualms telling her what a fantastic picker she was! Brenda and I shared an easygoing conversation about topics from animals to children to death to God. In my humble opinion, when you meet someone who believes, it doesn't take long for you to recognize that in each other and begin speaking of God and His precious son.

Brenda told me about some very special plans she has for her farm. She would like to have a sale like this two-day sale about once a month, a petting zoo, a farm run. And a memorial garden where people can come to relax and enjoy nature. Brenda shared more about the reason behind the memorial garden and I immediately got goosebumps. "Those are Godbumps" Brenda said. "They're how you know when God is talking to you."

So very true! Whenever God is talking to me, wants me to know He is there or especially wants me to pay attention, I get those same Godbumps. They can be surprising, but for me are typically comforting and reassuring. Brenda and I sat down and chatted for awhile. My husband called, and Brenda was able to thank him for his service to our country personally, which she had previously asked me to do. There's something truly special when my husband is able to have someone thank him for his service. It means the absolute world to him.

I gave Brenda my business card and told her if she needed help with anything, Huckleberry Row could assist with everything from organization and to photo shoots to hair and make-up. Brenda had been looking for someone to fill some of those needs in her life. Although I'll probably go out and visit Brenda again to see if she needs help, to chat and offer my help however I can.

Oh yes, I found a few fantastic pieces for my garden as well! Pictured are some of the amazing items Brenda has for sale at her farm sale. She still has tents full of items that haven't even been revealed to the public yet. What a blast!

If you live anywhere near the Faribault, Minnesota area (or want to travel), you'll have to check into when Brenda is having her farm sale. Details are still in the works, but comment on this post if you're interested and I'll give you the latest info available. You will love it!

That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

March 7, 2016

I'm publishing this picture without your permission. I also need to share something important with you.

We both have wrinkles. We have earned them through decades of raising amazing children, making difficult choices, being placed in unfair situations, questioning life, squinting when the warm sun shone in our eyes, smiling with our fabulous families throughout the years and being blessed to be able to laugh beyond reason.

Most of all, when I look at this picture I don't see a single line or crease. I see how much I LOVE US.

February 16, 2016

This year for Valentine's Day, my husband and I decided to skip the crowded restaurant/getting dressed up/pomp and circumstance required to dine out in a decent restaurant. Honestly, by the end of the weekend, we are both ready to kick up our feet and catch up on Netflix.

One of the tricks we used at the grocery store was to pick up a fancy dessert and the side dishes. A small chocolate ganache mousse cake was $5.99, which breaks down to less than $1.00/serving. The cake was amazing and cost much less than you'd find in any restaurant, especially on a holiday. The fresh pasta salads from the deli department had roughly the same cost of $1.00/serving. Delicious!

As a person who lives with Fibromyalgia, cooking is a rare occurrence for me. Were it not for the pain that comes from prolonged standing, chopping, stirring, etc., I would be whipping things up in my kitchen every day. Fortunately, Praise the Lord, Sunday was a good day good me and I was able to cook our meal. It took a bit longer than I would have liked, and I took a break in the middle, but it was an overall success. My hubby was uber-helpful and volunteered to dip the strawberries in chocolate {{yumm}} and clean the kitchen afterwards. He was also incredibly patient while I cooked. [Side note: Extra points for the man. Years of standing point that he'll never buy me roses because of the expense, mark-up, how quickly they die, etc., etc. He brought home a dozen red roses!]

Aside from getting to spend time with my husband and cooking on a good pain-free day for me, I get to figure out how much money I saved. This is an ongoing joke around our house. It's never about how much I spent, it's about how much I SAVED. For instance, if I go into a store and spend $23.00 but save $149.50, how could I not brag about that?? I know there are many of you in agreement out there. You know which stores show you how much you saved on your receipts, and which ones circle it for you. I just LOVE this!

So here's the breakdown on our stay-at-home Valentine's Day meal. If you went out to eat and had a meal similar to this, compare what you paid at the end of the night. You'll have to include the tip you paid because service is a luxury that comes with dining out. We served ourselves.